AGP Executive Report

Gen Z crackdown and rights claims: Human rights groups say six protesters arrested during the June 25, 2024 memorial in Nairobi were “dumped” after alleged beatings and torture in custody, while one activist remains forcibly disappeared. Somalia-Kenya diplomatic shock: Kenya deported Somalia’s Second Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji after immigration officials linked him to a suspected fraudulently obtained Kenyan passport. Tax deadline pressure: KRA says there will be no extension on the June 30 deadline for filing 2025 income tax returns, warning of penalties and possible default assessments. Energy upgrade for Garissa: Government says a major Kenya Power substation capacity boost in Garissa is set to end years of blackouts and low voltage. Politics ahead of 2027: Western Kenya leaders renewed calls for Moses Wetang’ula as Ruto’s running mate, while Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen escalated attacks on Rigathi Gachagua, calling him “father of violence.” Business and jobs: Ruto launched the Revised MSME Policy 2026, pushing banks to close a KSh 3 trillion MSME financing gap. Sports: Kenya Pipeline and KCB booked Kenya Volleyball women’s league semi-final spots as the race for glory heats up.

Land Rights Relief: Murang’a’s Kihiu Mwiri residents finally received 750 title deeds, with the Lands CS saying more titles are being processed after years of delays and violence. Public Safety Watch: NCA says some Mombasa developers are adding extra floors without approval, warning of fines up to Sh3m and possible jail. Ebola Readiness Debate: Kenya’s health system is under the spotlight as experts urge stronger isolation, labs, workforce, surveillance and emergency logistics ahead of any outbreak response. Human Rights Pressure: Rights group SJCWG gave police 24 hours to reveal where detained activist Davis Lichuma is after his arrest during June 25 anniversary protests. Water for Nairobi: Haleon and the Upper Tana–Nairobi Water Fund will replenish 76,000m³ of water annually to ease Nairobi’s long-running shortages. Tax Deadline Clear-Up: KRA insists there will be no extension for filing 2025 income tax returns, despite iTax access complaints. Tourism Boost Plan: Government will review limits on international flights to double tourist arrivals by 2028. Germany Deal: Kenya secured Sh7.8bn in cooperation funding for digital, energy, irrigation and climate-smart agriculture. Education Staffing: TSC is rolling out a new staffing norm to rationalise teacher distribution under CBE. Drug Abuse Alarm: NACADA says 4.7m Kenyans use drugs or substances, with Coast leading prevalence.

Gen Z anniversary policing: Katiba Institute has sued Inspector General Douglas Kanja for contempt over Nairobi roadblocks and razor-wire barricades during the June 25 memorial, arguing police defied a 2025 court order and disrupted movement, including emergency access. Human rights probe: In Nakuru, the NPS has launched an investigation after a viral video showed officers manhandling an activist living with disability during the same protests. Facial recognition push: Kenya is moving to link the national ID database with a CCTV facial recognition network across six cities, with procurement aimed at completing a tender within two months. Water-saving mining innovation: JKUAT students say they’ve developed a waterless mineral processing method using sensor-based sorting and air classification, targeting Kenya’s water-stressed mines. Ebola update: The US CDC raised its Ebola response to the highest level as the DRC outbreak grows, though it says the risk of spread in the US remains low. Clean water for schools: Mozzart Kenya commissioned a solar-powered borehole at Thika’s St Patrick’s Special School under its Action 100 Wells initiative.

Utumishi Girls Case: Kibera High Court ordered mental and age assessments for eight students accused in the Utumishi Girls Academy dorm fire murder case, deferring pleas until reports are filed before July 1. Gen Z Crackdown: Over 90 Gen Z protesters arrested during the June 25 anniversary were arraigned at Milimani on traffic offences, while advocates including Faith Odhiambo, James Orengo and Babu Owino pushed for prompt arraignment for dozens held. Extradition Push: Milimani courts endorsed UK arrest warrants to kick off extradition of Kenyan Brian Kiprop Kiplagat wanted in the London killing of banker Maryanne Kilonzi. Drug Crisis: NACADA says 4.7 million Kenyans use drugs or substances, with Coast leading at 29.3% and Mombasa at 34.4%. Local Governance: Mombasa launched an enforcement drive against unauthorised developments that breach planning approvals. Education & Work: TSC confirmed salary increases for teachers from July and plans to promote over 30,000 teachers. Finance: Appellate court unblocked the planned sale of a 15% Safaricom stake to Vodacom.

Gen Z Anniversary Crackdown: Police arrested 355 people and used tear gas and heavy roadblocks as Kenya marked two years since the June 25, 2024 protests, while families laid wreaths on Parliament Road and rights groups condemned restrictions and arrests. Court & Governance: The High Court cleared the way for a full hearing on a petition challenging Kenya’s Sh7 trillion public debt, and MPs pushed tighter oversight rules for the proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund. Elections Update: IEBC opened enhanced voter registration for five electoral areas and published key timelines for the road to the August 10, 2027 General Election. Education: KNEC issued a final qualifying path for learners without KCPE certificates ahead of the 2027 KCSE cycle. Public Services: Government plans to scrap birth certificate fees and integrate hospital civil registration systems. Economy & Devolution: MPs approved the County Allocation of Revenue Bill, setting counties to receive Sh428 billion. Travel: UAE expanded visa-on-arrival for eligible Kenyan passport holders with qualifying residency permits. Safety & Emergencies: Search and rescue is ongoing after a building collapse at Nairobi’s Gikomba Market. Sports: Ruto pledged 28 more Talanta-style stadiums and Harambee Starlets named a provisional WAFCON squad.

Protest Anniversary Under Tight Security: Police fired tear gas and sealed off key roads in Nairobi as Gen Z-led demonstrators marked two years since the 2024 anti-tax protests, with families of victims blocked from reaching Parliament and businesses shuttered amid heavy deployments. UAE Visa Relief for Kenyans: The UAE expanded visa-on-arrival to Kenyan ordinary passport holders with valid residence permits from countries like the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and New Zealand, offering 14- or 60-day visas with clear extension and overstay rules. Tax Relief for Lenders: Kenya’s Finance Act 2026 exempts SACCOs and lenders from VAT on sale or disposal of repossessed collateral, ending a long-running KRA dispute. Ebola Alarm in Africa: Ebola cases in the DRC have surged past 1,000 as France reports the outbreak’s first case, raising fears of a worst-in-years scenario. Energy and Wildlife Protection: Kenya Power rolled out wildlife-friendly line covers to curb bird electrocution, while TotalEnergies unveiled a fleet upgrade aimed at cutting transport emissions. Economy Watch: CBK opened government securities to more global investors via a Clearstream link, boosting access to Treasury bills and bonds.

Gen Z Memorial Tensions: Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka urged restraint and peaceful June 25 commemorations, warning against goons and live ammunition as police say they were not formally notified. Courtroom Integrity: Chief Justice Martha Koome criticised a bond decision that ignored constitutional requirements, describing behind-the-scenes court games that left advocates sidelined. Customs Accountability: KRA launched body-worn cameras at JKIA to modernise customs work and curb misconduct. School Fire Justice: ODPP approved murder charges against nine minors over the Utumishi Girls Academy dorm fire that killed 16, with DNA and CCTV reviews cited. Cybercrime Alert: NC4 warned Nairobi remains Kenya’s cybercrime hotspot amid billions of attempted attacks on government and digital services. Health Insurance Crackdown: Social Health Authority suspended M.P. Shah Hospital over billing complaints, as SHA intensifies fraud checks. Ebola Funding Abroad: The White House sought $US87.6b, including $800m for an Ebola quarantine centre in Kenya for exposed Americans. Local Economy & Transport: Kenya Airways resumed Boeing 777-300ER on Nairobi–Mombasa with up to 50% discounts; counties are urged to go slow on levies under Finance Act 2026. Security & Crime: EACC arraigned a security firm director over a Sh5.4m tender fraud, alleging full payments despite fewer guards.

Ebola Watch: Kenya is among countries flagged as high risk as the DRC outbreak surges past 1,000 cases, with experts warning that insecurity, displacement, vaccine gaps and funding shortfalls could fuel further spread. Cybercrime Surge: Kenya recorded over 3 billion cyberattacks in three months, with Nairobi leading, as criminals increasingly target digital payments, identity theft and unauthorised system access. EACC Crackdown: EACC arrested a security firm director over a Ksh5.4 million tender fraud at Keroka Technical Training Institute, alleging a falsified KRA tax compliance certificate. Gen Z Anniversary Tensions: Ahead of June 25 commemorations, police arrested an activist in Kajiado over alleged incitement, while Kisumu saw anti-protest demonstrations. Transport & Cost of Living: Ride-hailing minimum fare proposals could backfire, experts warn, leaving drivers earning less even as fares rise. Road/Infrastructure: KeNHA set toll charges at Sh8 per km on the Rironi–Mau Summit highway, as motorists push back over alleged hidden costs. Elections Timeline: IEBC set August 10, 2027 for the General Election and ordered civil servants seeking elective posts to resign by February 9, 2027.

Finance Bill Signed: President William Ruto has assented to the Finance Bill, 2026, unlocking a Sh4.8tr budget for 2026/27 and setting the tax and spending agenda, with big allocations to education (Sh784bn), health (Sh175bn) and agriculture (Sh63bn). Ebola Court Clash: Health CS Aden Duale told the High Court Ruto cancelled a Congo trip over Ebola quarantine risks, while Kenya ordered a stop to a US-backed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base after contempt proceedings. June 25 Tensions: Ahead of planned Gen Z protests, an activist urged police to protect peaceful demonstrators under Article 37, as anxiety grows nationwide. JKIA Upgrade: Kenya signed a Sh154.2bn contract to modernise JKIA, including a new terminal and operational upgrades. Blue Economy & Education: Amani Kibera Book House held a completion ceremony in Nairobi, and Kenya is also moving to integrate qualified refugee teachers into the national system. Governance & Corruption: EACC arrested two KRA officers over a reported Sh3m bribe scheme. Road Disruption: KeNHA announced a partial closure on Mombasa Road/Eastern Bypass junction from June 30 to July 7 for drainage works.

Ebola Court Battle: Kenya’s health minister Aden Duale has been found in contempt over a US-backed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, but the High Court accepted his apology and warned him against future violations, while the court also ordered him to personally appear for mitigation and sentencing. Travel Rules: Kenya has introduced mandatory health surveillance forms and temperature screening for travellers arriving from the DRC and Uganda to curb Ebola importation. Protests and Police Conduct: Activist Francis Awino defended the planned June 25 demonstrations, saying organisers notified police and urged security agencies to uphold constitutional rights to peaceful assembly. Road Safety for Learners: NTSA announced new rules barring medically unfit or improperly licensed drivers from transporting school learners, alongside bans on PSV badge lapses and driving under drugs or alcohol. Sports & Youth: Team Kenya for the Commonwealth Games takes shape with Ferdinand Omanyala leading athletics selections, while the PPRA closed its CHAN 2024 insurance procurement probe into FKF, citing lack of jurisdiction. Public Health Debate: Toxicologists called for urgent dialogue on the safety of water and food, after concerns over heavy metals linked to Lake Nakuru fish.

Ebola Court Clash: Kenya’s Supreme Court found Health Minister Aden Duale in contempt for continuing work on a US Ebola quarantine facility, ordering him to appear for sentencing after judges said the government must obey court orders. Regional Politics: Opposition lawyer Martha Karua was denied entry and deported from Uganda, accusing officials of interfering with Kizza Besigye’s defence; leaders rallied in solidarity on her return. Education & Safety: Over 7,300 school heads met in Mombasa as student unrest topped the agenda, with calls to move some learners from boarding to day schools for closer supervision. Public Finance Watch: A Senate committee recommended criminal probes over Sh732.6m in unremitted Wajir County statutory deductions and pension contributions dating back over a decade. Mobile Money Boom: Communications Authority data shows mobile money subscriptions hit 53.4 million accounts, up by two million in one quarter, alongside a surge in agents. Sports Update: IOC reallocated 2012 women’s 800 medals—Kenya’s Pamela Jelimo upgraded to silver, with Alysia Montaño bronze and Kenya’s Niyonsaba/Jepkosgei receiving diplomas. Energy Tragedy: QatarEnergy confirmed 13 deaths and 66 injuries in the Ras Laffan Barzan gas facility explosion, saying it was an accident and not sabotage.

Tourism & Trade: A new argument says East Africa’s real tourism bottleneck isn’t attractions—it’s movement. Air routes between capitals are costly and thin, leaving the region unable to sell “one destination” circuits. Media & Civic Peace: TV47, Radio 47 and DW are pushing peace journalism beyond studios, using community forums to drive dialogue and accountability. Justice & Rights: Martha Karua was blocked from entering Uganda at Entebbe and ordered to return, with lawyers alleging politically motivated intimidation in the Besigye treason case. Finance & Governance: Parliament has approved a National Cybersecurity Agency, while debate over Finance Bill 2026 continues as Kenya prepares for Ruto’s assent. Health: Kenya’s injectable HIV prevention rollout has reached about 7,900 people, but experts warn of gaps in awareness and demand creation. Business & Markets: Absa plans to raise its stake in Absa Bank Kenya to up to 85% via a $238m tender offer; MSMEs also face a Sh3.3trn credit gap. Security & Protest: Government says June 25 will remain a working day, urging peaceful demonstrations and warning against violence. Environment & Oceans: At Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya and the US agreed visa restrictions targeting illegal fishing-linked individuals, alongside major maritime security commitments.

Energy & Business: Solar firm Solaire Africa has opened a Nairobi regional headquarters in Westlands, positioning Kenya as its hub for sales, system design and after-sales support as households and firms increasingly turn to solar amid unreliable power. Politics & Governance: Siaya Governor James Orengo urged President William Ruto to reconsider assenting to the Finance Bill 2026, arguing many MPs “voted with their feet” by skipping the crucial debate. Public Finance: Ruto is set to assent to the Finance Bill today, setting the stage for the next phase of fiscal policy. Security & Protests: Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and DP Kithure Kindiki warned June 25 protesters to stay peaceful, with stern action against looting, violence and disruption of children’s schooling and businesses. Health & Society: Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir says malnutrition is driving maternal and newborn deaths and will roll out special meals for expectant women. Disaster Response: A major fire at Nairobi’s Gikomba Market has been contained after nearly 10 hours, with 17 people treated for minor injuries. Regional Diplomacy: Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made an unannounced visit to Kenya for high-level talks with President Ruto in Naivasha. Environment: Madagascar and Zanzibar unveiled sweeping shark and ray protections at an Our Ocean Conference side event in Mombasa.

Security Ahead of June 25 Protests: Police DIG Eliud Lagat says agencies are on high alert to protect lives and property, warning youth not to be used by “goons” and promising troublemakers will face the law. Emergency Care Upgrade: President Ruto announced free initial emergency treatment and a new national ambulance dispatch centre by end of July, to be linked to the Digital Health Agency, alongside a major St John Ambulance support package. St John Ambulance Funding: Ruto pledged one acre of land in Upper Hill plus Sh200m for modernization, and Parliament will add Sh300m after St John hands over its current Bunge Towers/near-Parliament building. Parliament Accountability Row: A Standard report says Finance Bill 2026 passed with 122-40 but with 187 MPs absent, raising fresh questions on how Parliament checks the Executive. Mt Kenya Political Tensions: Public anger is growing over Ruto’s planned Ebola quarantine facility in Nanyuki, with protests turning deadly after an autopsy confirmed a teen died from a gunshot wound. Gikomba Fire Fallout: Traders are counting losses after another Gikomba Market inferno, with calls for investigations and real fire-safety reforms. Crime Crackdown: DCI arrested a suspected gang leader on the Eastern Bypass with ammunition and cannabis, while police also seized bhang worth about Sh12.1m in separate operations. Tax Filing Guidance: KRA told taxpayers facing Shuru WhatsApp filing mismatches to abandon the platform and use the IT1 template instead.

Finance Bill fallout: Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro admitted he missed the Finance Bill 2026/27 vote, saying he travelled out of the country and accepted public criticism after low turnout saw 182 MPs absent or not voting. Security and politics: National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula urged Kenyans to reject tribal politics and warned against politicians using hired “goons” to disrupt gatherings, as police DIG Eliud Lagat cautioned that June 25 memorial protests must not turn violent. Health push: Dr Ouma Oluga said Taifa Care reforms are strengthening sickle cell disease prevention, diagnosis and long-term care, with plans for a national registry. HIV media win: KBC’s Millicent Kubai won top honours at the Voices of Impact HIV & STIs reporting awards for “Life Beyond the Diagnosis.” Water and governance: Stakeholders backed joint action through basin water resource committees, calling for coordinated investment and catchment management to tackle recurring shortages. Tech diplomacy: Kenya confirmed it will host the 4th Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) summit in Nairobi in April 2027. Road safety tragedy: Kalonzo mourned Makindu Motors boss Stephen Ngei and his wife after a highway crash. Education incident: A dormitory fire at Ofafa Jericho High School affected 122 students; no injuries reported.

Weather Watch: Kenya Met warns of occasional rains and very cold nights from Saturday June 20 to Wednesday June 23, with Central counties including Nairobi expected to hit 4°C–6°C, and showers likely in Coast, Central, Western, Rift Valley and Northern regions. Refugees & Inclusion: Kenya’s refugee population has risen to 852,000, as the government pushes the Shirika Plan to shift from long-term aid to financial inclusion and integrated settlements. Youth in Politics: A new Mombasa app, Kuwaref, lets young voters verify politicians’ project claims; it has already registered 28,000 users. Transport Crackdown: NTSA has imposed a 24-month freeze on licensing new matatu operators and a 12-month pause on adding or extending routes, citing safety and instability. Health Push: The Ministry of Health plans a National Sickle Cell Disease Registry and expands newborn screening to improve early diagnosis and care. Security: Police are investigating the killing of a KMTC Homa Bay security guard during a break-in that targeted student registration computers. Court Action on JKIA: The High Court fast-tracks a petition seeking to halt JKIA’s Ksh154 billion modernisation, with responses due before a hearing next week. Nairobi Water: A 24-hour supply interruption hits 17 Nairobi areas due to a leak on the NCT Raw Water Pipeline near Kigoro. Business & Finance: WapiPay, a Kenyan cross-border fintech, secures a Canada MSB licence to expand money transfer and digital asset services.